hello guys!!! this is part 3 of my english language masterposts all about narrative + descriptive essays to help you out, enjoy :]
consists of a series of events, either imaginary or based on your own experience, in a vivid descriptive style
may be written in the first person [I/we] or in the third person [he/she, etc] + often includes the thoughts, reactions etc of the main character[s], describing the action as if seen through their eyes.
a good narrative should consist of:
an introduction which sets the scene to create an interesting mood/atmosphere to make the reader want to continue reading, and/or begins dramatically to capture the reader’s attention [mystery/suspense]
a main body which develops the series of events clearly, gives vivid descriptions of the people/places involved etc..
a conclusion which completes the story perhaps in an unexpected way. may describe people’s feelings/reactions, the consequences of what happened etc…
before starting to write, consider a suitable story outline, then a detailed plot [use what, who, when, why, + how]
writing techniques include the use of vivid description of people, places, objects etc
narratives usually occur in the past therefore you should use a variety of past tenses [eg: past continuous sets the scene, past simple is used for main events, past perfect is used to describe an event before the main event[s]
consider the sequence of events + use time words such as: before, after, then, in the beginning, later, in the end, until, while etc…
an introduction giving brief information about who the person is, where/how you met them, how you heard about them etc…
a main body which may include descriptions of physical appearance, personality/behaviour, manner/mannerisms, and/or details of the person’s life/lifestyle [hobbies, interests, everyday activities etc…]
a conclusion in which you comment on why the person is of interest, express your feelings/opinions concerning the person, etc…
you may also be asked to explain why this person is successful/admirable/unusual
start each paragraph with a topic sentence which summarises the paragraph
to describe physical appearance, give details of a person’s height/build, age, facial features, hair, clothing etc…moving from general to specific
to describe personality + behaviour, support your description with examples of manner and mannerisms
to describe life, lifestyle + beliefs, you should talk about the person’s habits, interests, profession, daily routine, opinions, etc…
if the title of the essay asks you to describe a person related to the present [eg: a person who is unusual] describe the person in present tenses + vice versa with titles that mention the past
the use of descriptive vocabulary and a variety of linking words + structures make your writing more interesting so use them!!
make sure you interpret the task well, do not describe every aspect of a person + make sure to not ignore the key words
2. describing places/buildings
an introduction giving brief information about the name + location of the place/building stating the reason why you chose to write about it
a main body giving both general and specific details about the place [moving from general features to specific ones]. refer to landscape, buildings, landmarks etc.. to give the overall impression of the place then give a detailed description of surroundings
a conclusion in which your express your feelings/opinions concerning the subject + give a recommendation
you may also be asked to explain why a particular place is important for you
descriptions of places/buildings may include factual information such as age, size, colour, materials etc…, details relating to the senses to suggest mood/atmosphere + opinions/impressions of the place
each aspect should be presented in a separate paragraph with a clear topic sentence
present tenses are normally used when writing for a tourist brochure/magazine article. past tenses are used when describing a visit to a place/building. first + second conditionals [will/would] can be used when you describe your ideal city/house etc… + use the present when giving factual information about a place
give accurate information concerning the size + weight, shape, pattern + decoration, colour, origin and material. you can give necessary information in separate sentences
4. describing festivals/events/ceremonies
an introduction in which you mention the name/type, time/date, place + reason for celebration
a main body where you describe preparations for the event + the event itself
a conclusion where you describe people’s feelings or comments on the event
when you describe annual events, present tense is used + style is formal
however, when giving an account of an event you witnessed or took part in, past tenses are used + style can be less formal. the passive is frequently used to describe preparations/activities which take place
use descriptive vocabulary to set the scene + describe the atmosphere
notes, studying, and self-study resources
improving your handwriting
aesthetically pleasing notes
studying a foreign language
the discursive/argumentative essay [pt.ii]
hope this helps some more of you with your essays, my dears <3 let me know if i can help with anything else